Israeli troops kill two Palestinians

Two Palestinians have been killed in separate incidents as Israel tightens its hold on the Palestinian areas.

The move, which came despite a Muslim holiday, was sparked by warnings of a terrorist attack by militants.

Israeli troops making arrests in the West Bank city of Nablus shot dead a Palestinian militant as he ran from them, military officials said.

In the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian carrying a Kalashnikov assault rifle near the Kissufim crossing into Israel was shot by soldiers late last night.

The complete closure of the West Bank and Gaza will be enforced until February 14 and is meant to thwart increased attempts by Palestinians to carry out attacks, the army said.